Lakatnik and Vitoscha

While I spent the last two weeks almost entirely in Vegetarium, a time of excursions has now begun. On Wednesday, I went with Sarah and Serena to Lakatnik, a small village upstream. Originally, it had been planned to go on a two-day hike with Sarah and Nikita in the Central Balkan Mountains, but since Sarah was struck down by a severe cold, we had to reschedule.

Fortunately, the alternative was truly wonderful. In the most beautiful autumn sunshine, we enjoyed not only great views into the valley, but also ventured at least into the entrance of one of the largest caves in Bulgaria before we found ourselves in a nice, affordable restaurant. A fitting farewell for Sarah, whose volunteer service unfortunately ended this week.

But that’s not all – I also got to spend two days in Sofia. Luisa, a friend from Cologne, was on her way back from Greece and, amusingly, was staying directly across from my vegan-friendly favorite bakery Furna. Together we climbed Sofia’s home mountain, Vitoscha, went for walks, and ate delicious food. We also found ourselves in the student district Studentski Grad and “The Red Flat,” an authentically true apartment from the communist 1980s, which nowadays serves as a museum.

Very exciting!

In the remaining four days in Vegetarium, we devoted ourselves to the task of moving trees from the Tree Nursery outside: pear trees, rose bushes, peach trees, grapevines, and jujubes. What will become of them in the coming years? Who knows.